Perceived and actual value of Student‐led Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Abstract Introduction Student‐led Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) provide formative learning opportunities prior to Faculty‐led OSCEs. It is important to undertake quality assurance measurements of peer‐led assessments because, if they are found to be unreliable and invalid, they may have detrimental impacts. The objectives of this study were to explore and evaluate Student‐led OSCEs hosted by fifth‐year medical students. Methods Student‐led OSCE results were analysed to examine reliability (Cronbach's alpha). The relationship between Student‐led and Faculty‐led OSCEs was evaluated using linear regression. Qualitative data were acquired by survey and semi‐structured interviews and were analysed using an inductive content analysis approach. Results In total, 85 (94%) of 91 eligible students consented to study participation. Student‐led OSCEs had a low‐moderate reliability Cronbach alpha = 0.47 (primary care) and 0.61 (human reproduction/paediatrics) (HRH). A statistically significant, positive relationship between Student‐led and Faculty‐led OSCE results was observed. Faculty‐led OSCE grades increased by 0.49 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.80) to 1.09 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.52), for each percentage increase in Student‐led OSCE result. Student‐led OSCE participants highly valued the authentic peer‐assessed experience. Reported benefits included a reduction of perceived stress and anxiety prior to Faculty‐led OSCEs, recognition of learning gaps, contribution to overall clinical competency and facilitation of collaboration between peers. Discussion Student‐led OSCEs are moderately reliable and can predict Faculty‐led OSCE performance. This form of near‐peer assessment encourages the metacognitive process of reflective practice and can be effectively implemented to direct further study. Faculties should collaborate with their student bodies to facilitate Student‐led OSCEs and offer assistance to improve the quality, and benefits, of these endeavours.